IP Principles and Values

THE CORE VALUES OF THE INDEPENDENCE PARTY:

We believe defined values are essential to guiding political reform and assuring policies that benefit all. These are our core values:

A democratic process with integrity and broad citizen participation

A justice system that is fair, wise, unambiguous, swift, affordable, and accessible to all

A society that is inclusive, embraces diversity, and protects everyone’s rights

Government policies which encourage and expect personal responsibility

Government that is fiscally responsible: equitable in its collection of taxes, careful in its spending, and honest in its financial reporting

Government that is a good steward: protecting the environment, preserving our public institutions, prudently managing public assets, and leaving for our children a better world

Government that is controlled locally whenever possible

Rights of privacy and personal liberties under the US Constitution, the Minnesota Constitution, and the Bill of Rights of the United States shall be strongly defended

An educated citizenry with the knowledge and understanding to preserve our freedoms and maintain our prosperity

Political leadership that acts for the greater good and prepares us for the future

We are a passionate group of centrists who believe in Minnesota and the nation before party.

The IP Principles

Integrity

We are what we are and we do not pretend to be something we are not. Our word is good and we are accountable for the promises we make. In our personal actions and party affairs, we seek to exemplify the same fair, open, and democratic processes we advocate for our government. Before we evaluate others in the light of our principles we stand first in the light ourselves.

Responsibility

We are accountable for our actions or failure to act and it is up to us to generate the results we want. We readily assume the duties mandated by our purpose and we seek to manifest excellence in performing our agreed upon tasks.

Dignity

We respect all people as equal human beings possessing certain inalienable rights, which include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Each member has an equal voice and vote in our party and we conduct ourselves so as to honor the people and institutions we serve. As a party, we advocate public policy only where broad member consensus exists and respectfully leave action on other matters to the free exercise of individual conscience and discretion.

Service

Political power belongs to the people and is only entrusted to those who serve in public and party office. In our endeavors, we work for the benefit of all citizens, not ourselves alone. Our job is to fulfill the expectations of those who have honored us with their trust.

Justice

All citizens deserve equal rights, protection, and opportunity under the law. In our Party and public affairs, we are ever vigilant to promote only those rules and laws which assure equity and freedom for all citizens.

Community

As individuals, party and nation, we live in relationship with each other and the earth. While exercising our rights and pursuing our individual interests, we are also mindful of the good of the whole. As a party, we endeavor to articulate the public good through open democratic processes and then manifest that good in our communities, state, and nation

Our mission

Function as a Minnesota state major political party

Endorse candidates for partisan and non-partisan public office

Assist Independence Party of Minnesota – endorsed candidates in their campaigns for public office

Assist Independence Party of Minnesota – endorsed elected public officials in their service in public office

Advocate the enactment of public policy and laws that are consistent with the Independence Party principles, platform, and public policy positions

Support Independence Party of Minnesota members for appointed public office

Encourage and support citizen participation in the public political process

Support and participate in similar activities at the national level.

US Party Affiliation

Republican 28%

Independent 42%

Democrat 27%

With 42% of the nation not finding a home with the Republicans and the Democrats, we need a strong third option. The Independence Party is that strong third option

Looking to join the IP?

The IP is grounded in core principles of direct service and accountability to the people, whose government can and will budget responsibly and deliver within its means, and whose endorsed candidates and elected representatives serve the people first, not the party. This party will not be governed by extremists or big (special interest) money, but by reasonable, effective approaches to public policy issues.